The town Charter is the document that lays out how we run this beautiful town of ours, and in 2016 the voters chose to update the Charter to create a Town Manager role which is a paid professional who leads many of the day-to-day tasks in Town Hall. This was a big change and one that I overall support. I believe having a nonpolitical professional working alongside the elected Board of Selectmen is a great and effective balance. But there’s still some work to do to make the Charter work best for Simsbury. I believe we need better clarity on how the elected and professional team work together, have more efficiency in the structure of boards and commissions and those changes should be done exactly how we made the initial Charter update: worked on and discussed in public ways and ultimately voted on by the residents of the town.  I am in favor of Charter reform, so we can continue to balance the best of democratically elected leadership with politics-free professionalism.

The Town Manager is appointed by the Board of Selectmen to serve as the chief executive officer of the town. She is responsible for the oversight of all Town departments, implementing all acts and policies of the Board and all resolutions and ordinances adopted by the Town. The Town Manager serves as the Personnel Director, and is responsible for preparing and submitting to the Board of Selectmen an annual Town budget. I strive to be a positive balance between Government and Town Staff. To work effectively and openly with our Town Manager. In the case that the search for a Town Manager is not completed at the time of the election and taking office, I would then actively engage to help find the right person for the job taking into account the concerns and input from town employees and community members.  

Since the adoption of the 2017 Plan of Conservation and Development, the Simsbury Planning Commission and the Town of Simsbury have been committed to the promotion and/or creation of more affordable housing. The creation of additional affordable housing units in Simsbury will benefit the community as a whole. More affordable housing units diversifies the housing stock in Simsbury. It creates options for citizens who chose to live in town whether its first time home owners, renters, seniors wishing to age in place, people with disabilities or individuals that would otherwise not have the economic means to consider living in this community. I will advocate for appropriate affordable and sustainable housing in Simsbury. For ALL members of our community. I want to help the community to better understand affordable housing, the benefits to Simsbury and quell the fear that affordable housing myths often perpetuate.

Zoning Regulations are designed to promote the health, safety and welfare of the community, divide the Town into districts and establish standards for land use within each district. I understand  that land use and retaining open spaces are important values for the Simsbury community, while also recognizing the need for new business development for tax revenue and responsible housing development and the impact they have for Simsbury. The two do not have to be mutually exclusive.

Simsbury has a long  history of farming; from tobacco fields to dairy farms and smaller crop farms, Simsbury provides ample contributions to our food and supply chain. Often these smaller farms don't get the funding that large commercial farms do.  And while we have these wonderful food opportunities, food insecurity is a larger issue than most community members realize. Whether it be a single parent providing for the family, seniors on a fixed income and rising costs, an economic hardship that hit a family unexpectedly or just through life, food insecurity should not be dismissed simply because we are “Simsbury”. I want to ensure that privately owned farms and food insecurity in Simsbury are not left out of the conversation in our State and on the National level.

The goal of economic development is to improve the life of community residents by retaining and expanding existing businesses and attracting new businesses. The Economic Development Commission (EDC) serves as an advisory board to the Board of Selectmen. The purpose of the Commission is to promote and develop the economic resources of the Town and to advance the Town’s economic development goals as defined by the Board of Selectmen. I will continue to ensure that our schools, parks and recreational areas, public safety and downtown enhancements remain a priority to enhance the quality of life for the Simsbury Community and remain attractive to current and new businesses. I recognize these are important to the Simsbury Community while also recognizing the need for responsible growth and expansion. I will strive to maintain a balance between new/relocating businesses, tax revenue, and the needs for all of our citizens. And help small businesses and Main Street to thrive.

Simsbury has a large and vibrant senior and disability community. Working on the Senior Survey as part of the AARP Age Friendly Community, has highlighted the issues facing the seniors in our community and the drivers needed in place to address them. Additionally, ensuring that the needs of the disabled in Simsbury are met, not only helps that individual but enriches our community; whether that be employment, accessibility, health needs or education. I will continue to advocate for the needs of seniors and people with disabilities in Simsbury. I want Simsbury to be a truly inclusive community.